Talks are advancing for a new, long-term electricity solution for the Hillside Aluminium Smelter in KwaZulu- Natal, between Eskom and South32.
South32 produces minerals and metals critical to the world’s energy transition from operations across the Americas, Australia and Southern Africa.
Both organisations reaffirmed their shared ambition to develop and deliver a long-term energy solution that supports Hillside’s competitiveness, contributes to regional economic stability and industrial growth, and aligns with South Africa’s broader decarbonisation objectives.
The ultimate aim is to have competitively priced renewable energy into the national grid.
Hillside supports a total of 3,650 direct and indirect jobs, contributes to an estimated 29,000 jobs across the economy, and plays a key role in supplying aluminium to the local downstream industry.
Noel Pillay, South32 Chief Operating Officer, said “as Hillside celebrates 30 years of operation this year, we are collaborating with the Government of South Africa and Eskom to secure its future for decades to come.
We have made a solid start. It is important we continue this momentum, working towards a viable, low-carbon energy solution for Hillside from 2031, when the current electricity contract expires.”
While Dan Marokane, Eskom Group Chief Executive, said “Eskom values the longstanding partnership with South32 and the important role Hillside Aluminium plays in South Africa’s industrial economy.“
Picture: Supplied